The Story of Hervor

By Christopher Webster

Hervor, a young girl who is tired of needlework and wishes to reclaim her inheritance, changes her name to Hervar, dresses as a man, and joins a group of Viking raiders. The story is based on The Hervararsaga. Like many of the Icelandic Sagas, The Hervararsaga is rambling and muddled, though containing much fine material. This version is a straightforward retelling of the best episodes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Book Blitz
• Release date: May 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224489114

Christopher Webster

Christopher Webster was brought up in Conisbrough, which is famous for its well-preserved castle. The castle and its link with Hengest provided the inspiration for this book. Another inspiration was studying English at university, particularly the study of Anglo-Saxon. His first publication was Poetry Through Humour and Horror. This was followed by many more educational publications including the best selling 100 Literacy Hours and study notes on Christina Rossetti and Ezra Pound. His writing about Conisbrough includes The Castle Trilogy, Coal Dust Kisses, four books of short stories and and Conisbrough Tales, which he describes as ‘a Canterbury Tales’ for Conisbrough. He also writes in other genres, such as Poetry, Regency Romance and Science Fiction under a range of pen-names. He is currently living in Laken and teaching in a European School.

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Introduction

In this story, Hervor, a young girl who is tired of needlework and wishes to reclaim her inheritance, changes her name to Hervar, dresses as a man, and joins a group of Viking raiders.

The story is adapted from an Icelandic saga known as The Hervararsaga. The saga, also known as the Saga of Hervor and Heidrek, dates back to the 13th century and was probably composed in the first half of that century. The saga is set in a world of myth and legend, where supernatural beings and heroic warriors play prominent roles. It centres around the adventures and exploits of the legendary warrior woman, Hervor, and her descendants, particularly her son, Heidrek.

Hervor is a fearless shieldmaiden who inherits her father’s sword, Tyrfing, a magical weapon with a curse that brings both great power and great tragedy to those who wield it. Hervor is a formidable warrior who defies societal norms and expectations, choosing a life of adventure and combat over domesticity. Her defiance and courage make her a compelling and complex character who challenges traditional gender roles in medieval literature.

The saga unfolds in a series of interconnected episodes that span generations, tracing the lineage of Hervor and her descendants. The narrative weaves together elements of history, mythology, and folklore, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The story is filled with epic battles, treacherous betrayals, and magical encounters that capture the imagination and stir the emotions of the reader.

One of the central themes of The Hervararsaga is the idea of fate and destiny, as reflected in the curse of Tyrfing and the tragic consequences that befall those who come into possession of the sword. The saga explores the idea that one's actions and choices are predetermined by fate, and that even the most valiant efforts to alter one's destiny may ultimately be futile. This theme adds a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative, inviting the reader to ponder the nature of free will and the inevitability of fate.

The characters in The Hervararsaga are vividly drawn and multi-dimensional, with each possessing their own